Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 1st Match

If the opening fixture of the Asia Cup is anything to go by, then this tournament promises to be a cracker. Do join us for the second game where the hosts, Bangladesh cross swords with India tomorrow. Until then, take care, adios!

Malinga: 'I am happy to take 5 wickets today. I did not bowl well at the start of the innings. I did not find my rhythm. Then I brought the variations ended up with 5 wickets. There was not much dew. I tried the bouncer, yorker and slower ones. At the end of the day, I am happy.'

Malinga is the Man of the Match for his 6th five wicket haul in ODIs.

Mathews: 'I still think we were 20 runs short, especially after the start given by Thirimanne and Sanga. It's always good to be on the winning side. Thirimanne is a great team man, he will bat anywhere and will get runs. Yeah, Malinga is the best bowler. When I need wickets I throw the ball to him. He showed his character again.'

Misbah: "I think Umar batted well with me. That was a crucial partnership. We should have won this game. He played sensibly but he fell at a wrong time. I dont think we conceded too many runs, we did well to restrict them to 296. The pitch was flat, no turn. We should have won. It's good to score runs and I hope I continue like this.'

Sri Lanka made early inroads into Pakistan's batting but the ice-cool Misbah thawed them briefly along with an enterprising Umar Akmal in a 121-run union before Malinga struck back with an impactful 5-wicket haul to turn the game on its head. There was considerable panic among the Sri Lankans when both Umar and Misbah were in the zone but Malinga's second spell 2.5-0-11-5 saw Sri Lanka prevail in the end. Do stick with us for the presentation ceremony.

Oh boy! Its time to catch our collective breaths. So Sri Lanka nick this thriller, wherein fortunes swung like stock markets gone crazy. Inspired by Thirimanne's ton, Sri Lanka put up a competitive total on borad along with fifties from Mathews and Sanga.

48.5 Malinga to Bhatti, out Bowled!! 5-fer for Malinga and he is mobbed by his team-mates. Its all over for Misbah's men. Sri Lanka win this thriller. Bhatti backs away and exposes all three stumps, in a quest to flay it through the off-side but Malinga shatters the off-stump with another pin-point yorker. The blone Slinger punches the air and gives vent to his delight. Bhatti b Malinga 18(13) [4s-2]

Malinga to Bhatti, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

48.4 Malinga to Bhatti, 2 runs, Malinga strives for the yorker, it ends up a full toss on the leg-stump, Bhatti squeezes it off the inside half of the bat to long leg

Mathews and Malinga in the middle of a serious discussion now. Mid-wicket comes up and third man pushed back.

48.3 Malinga to Junaid Khan, 1 run, very full and on the pads, clipped away to deep backward square leg

Junaid Khan, right handed bat, comes to the crease

48.2 Malinga to Ajmal, out Lbw!! Malinga dishes out his signature toe-crusher and that turns out to be too hot for Ajmal. Sri Lanka edge ahead in this see-saw clash. This was a searing yorker length ball dipping in, Ajmal looks to jam it out but his effort is in vain as he is struck in front of the leg-stump. The umpire raises his dreaded finger to award Malinga his fourth scalp. Ajmal lbw b Malinga 10(4) [4s-2]

Malinga to Ajmal, THATS OUT!! Lbw!!

48.1 Malinga to Bhatti, 1 run, pitched up on middle, Bhatti slogs it uppishly but it lands in front of deep backward square leg

17 runs from 12 balls reads the equation..

47.6 Lakmal to Ajmal, FOUR, pushed through outside off, Ajmal exploits Lakmal's pace and slashes it to the third man fence

47.5 Lakmal to Ajmal, FOUR, Ajmal tries to pull off a Dilscoop, he is near where near Dilshan's class but manages to clumsily scoop it to the fine leg fence

47.3 Lakmal to Bhatti, 1 run, back of a length and just a trifle outside off, Bhatti backs away and punches it to mid off

47.2 Lakmal to Bhatti, 2 runs, Lakmal now drags it short on middle, Bhatti executes a flat batted pull to long on. More importantly, he retains the strike

47.1 Lakmal to Bhatti, FOUR, rifled to extra cover! This was overpitched and outside off, Bhatti exploits the width on offer as he clears his front leg and crashes it past covers

Suranga Lakmal [8.0-1-48-2] is back into the attack

46.6 Malinga to Bhatti, 1 run, good length delivery just outside off, Bhatti bunts it to cover point for a scampered single

Saeed Ajmal, right handed bat, comes to the crease

46.5 Malinga to Umar Gul, out Caught by de Silva!! leading edge and Chaturanga de Silva snaffles it. Jubilation in the Sri Lankan camp. This was a length delivery on the stumps, Umar Gul looks to tuck it away to the leg-side, he manages a leading edge that balloons over towards backward point, where de Silva judges it to perfection. Umar Gul c de Silva b Malinga 2(6)

Malinga to Umar Gul, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

46.4 Malinga to Umar Gul, no run, change of pace again from Slinga Malinga, Umar Gul steers it to backward point

46.3 Malinga to Umar Gul, no run, cannoned in outside off, staying low as well, Umar Gul looks to swat it away but no dice. The asking rate has sky-rocketed to 10 an over

46.2 Malinga to Bhatti, 1 run, back of a length delivery around off, punched away to deep point

46.1 Malinga to Umar Gul, 1 run, its Malinga's turn to slip in the slower one juts outside off, Umar Gul pats it in front of cover

45.6 T Perera to Bhatti, no run, aha! Another off-speed delivery outside off, all's Bhatti's drive can do is to travel to Chandimal at cover

45.4 T Perera to Umar Gul, no run, T Perera ventures full and on off, Umar Gul manages to block it

45.3 T Perera to Bhatti, 1 run, similar length and on off, this was in fact the slower ball, Bhatti spots it and turns it late to square leg

45.2 T Perera to Bhatti, FOUR, up and over mid-off! This was a back of a length delivery on middle, Bhatti lofts it uppishly and garners a crucial boundary for Pakistan, who have not given up yet

45.1 T Perera to Bhatti, no run, back of a length delivery on off, Bhatti taps it to mid-wicket. There is a brief indecision in the middle but Bhatti declines the kamikaze single

Umar Gul, right handed bat, comes to the crease

44.6 Malinga to Misbah, out Caught by Senanayake!! Malinga inflicts a double blow, this time he nabs the big fish, Misbah, was was threatening to take the game away from Sri Lanka's grasp. This was a regulation length delivery outside off, Misbah swings it across the line, gets requisite power behind that was well but picks out Senanayake at deep square leg. Misbah c Senanayake b Malinga 73(84) [4s-4 6s-2]

Malinga to Misbah, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

44.5 Malinga to Bhatti, 1 run, on a length and outside off, Bhatti sensibly dabs it to cover point and turns the strike over to Misbah

44.5 Malinga to Bhatti, wide, heading down leg, Bhatti does not bother with it, the umpire labels it a wide

Bilawal Bhatti, right handed bat, comes to the crease

44.4 Malinga to Afridi, out Caught by Chandimal!! Mr.BOOM BOOM fizzles out and by the way what a catch from Chandimal for it was traveling at the rate of knots. This was a good length delivery outside off, Afridi slaps it hard to cover, Chandimal's reflexes come to the fore as he pulls off a sharp catch. He was clutching in hand in pain after pouching that strike from Afridi. Afridi c Chandimal b Malinga 4(7)

Malinga to Afridi, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

44.3 Malinga to Afridi, no run, good length delivery on off, Afridi blocks it back to the bowler with a straightish bat

44.2 Malinga to Misbah, 1 run, Malinga aims for the toe-crusher but this ends up as a full toss on the leg-stump, Misbah whips it away to deep fine leg

44.1 Malinga to Afridi, 1 run, slightly back of a length delivery on middle, Afridi pushes it to long on

Lasith Malinga [7.0-0-41-0] is back into the attack

43.6 T Perera to Afridi, 1 run, picked off the hips to mid wicket, Afridi was looking for the second but Misbah declines it, sensing the danger involved

43.5 T Perera to Misbah, 1 run, this one kicks up from a length outside off, Misbah hops up and taps it to backward square leg

43.4 T Perera to Afridi, 1 run, T Perera now walks across his stumps and nudges this to backward square leg

43.3 T Perera to Misbah, 1 run, on a length and on the pads, tucked away to deep mid wicket

43.2 T Perera to Misbah, no run, another off-speed ball, Misbah takes a step or two forward and defends it

43.1 T Perera to Misbah, 2 runs, noticing Misbah move across the off-stump, Misbah delivers a slowish cutter, Misbah adjusts nicely and turns it through mid wicket for a brace

Thisara Perera [4.0-0-24-0] is back into the attack

Mathews now calls up Thisara..

42.6 Lakmal to Misbah, 1 run, full and wide outside off, Misbah places it to deep backward point with an angled bat

42.5 Lakmal to Afridi, 1 run, fullish and on middle and leg, Afridi drives it to mid on

42.4 Lakmal to Afridi, no run, back of a length on middle, pushed to the leg-side

Shahid Afridi, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Mr.BOOM BOOM makes his way out.

42.3 Lakmal to U Akmal, out Caught by Sangakkara!! U Akmal perishes by his own sword as he nicks off to the keeper. So, Lakmal has the last laugh in that mini battle within the war. This was on a length and pushed wide outside off, U Akmal commits to a rash swing, the outside edge sits snugly into the gloves of a visibly pumped up Sanga. U Akmal c Sangakkara b Lakmal 74(72) [4s-7 6s-3]

Lakmal to U Akmal, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

42.2 Lakmal to U Akmal, no run, fired full and outside off, U Akmal crashes it to cover, where Chandimal completes a stunning diving stop

42.1 Lakmal to U Akmal, 2 runs, Lakmal's attempted yorker goes awry as he dishes out a full toss outside off, U Akmal reaches out and carves it away to deep backward point

41.6 de Silva to Misbah, no run, pitched up and on off, driven off the inside half of the bat, back to de Silva

41.5 de Silva to U Akmal, 1 run, turning in, U Akmal glances it off his pads to short fine leg

41.4 de Silva to U Akmal, FOUR, arm ball outside off, U Akmal waits for it and dabs it pleasingly to the third man fence

41.3 de Silva to U Akmal, no run, pushed through on middle, U Akmal defends i back to the bowler

41.2 de Silva to U Akmal, FOUR, Jeepers! What a shot! This was floated on off, U Akmal skates dowm the track and lifts this over extra cover

41.1 de Silva to U Akmal, no run, flighted delivery on off, blocked back to de Silva

Chaturanga de Silva [9.0-1-47-1] is back into the attack

Umar Akmal plundered 16 off the previous over. 66 from 54 seems very achieveable, especially with Misbah in his elements.

40.6 Lakmal to U Akmal, 1 run, good length delivery on the stumps, U Akmal softly turns it in front of mid-wicket

40.5 Lakmal to U Akmal, SIX, Akmal is on the prowl! This was on a length and outside off, U Akmal swipes it across the line and launches it over deep mid-wicket

40.4 Lakmal to U Akmal, FOUR, tonked! This was fired full and on the stumps, U Akmal punches it with immense power as the ball whistles away to long off fence

40.3 Lakmal to U Akmal, FOUR, U Akmal marches to his 18th ODI fifty in some style. This was a length delivery outside off, U Akmal takes a step forward and smashes it to deep mid wicket fence

37.5 Senanayake to Misbah, SIX, BOOM goes the dynamite. This was on a length and outside off, Misbah smacks the slog sweep and deposits the ball over deep mid wicket. Misbah is catching the game by the scruff of its neck

37.2 Senanayake to U Akmal, no run, this one goes on with the arm outside off, U Akmal lunges forward to defend but is beaten. Just when one thought that his balance was shot, he gets some part of the foot inside the line even as Sanga was quick enough to whip off the bails

A stumping chance sent upstairs. It was a rather subdued appeal from Sanga. The TV umpire rules it NOT OUT

37.1 Senanayake to U Akmal, no run, pushed through on off, skidding on to the batsman, who to his credit, keeps it out

36.6 Malinga to Misbah, no run, marginally back of a length and on off now, Misbah dabs it to cover via an open face

36.5 Malinga to Misbah, no run, back of a length delivery on off which is guided behind point. No single though

36.4 Malinga to Misbah, no run, similar length and zeroed in on off, Misbah props forward to defend it

36.3 Malinga to U Akmal, 1 run, good length delivery outside off, U Akmal opens the face of the bat and dabs it to point. Another swift single for Pakistan

36.2 Malinga to Misbah, 1 run, tap and run to cover from Misbah

36.1 Malinga to Misbah, FOUR, poor start from Malinga as he strays on the pads of Misbah, who acceps the gift with glee as he clips it away to the fine leg fence

Lasith Malinga [5.0-0-32-0] is back into the attack

35.6 Senanayake to Misbah, 1 run, flighted delivery and outside off, Misbah drags it across the line to deep mid wicket and with control as well. That raises Misbah's 36th ODI half-century. He elicites spirited cheers from the change room as well

35.5 Senanayake to Misbah, 2 runs, Senanayake gives this some air on off, Misbah drags the drive to long on for a brace

35.4 Senanayake to U Akmal, 1 run, hurled in full on middle and leg, clipped away to mid wicket

35.3 Senanayake to Misbah, 1 run, floated on off, Misbah brings his wrists into play as he milks to long on

35.2 Senanayake to U Akmal, 1 run, drifting on to the pads, U Akmal ticks it to square leg

35.1 Senanayake to Misbah, 1 run, flighted delivery on middle, Misbah plays it with soft hands to short mid wicket

Batting powerplay time..

34.6 Lakmal to U Akmal, no run, length delivery on the stumps, defended on the back foot

34.5 Lakmal to Misbah, 1 run, Misbah nudges it in front of point for a quick single

34.3 Lakmal to Misbah, no run, a vociferous appeal for caught behind! Sanga jumps for joy as he is pretty confident. This was a good length delivery, nibbling away late outside off, Misbah aims to dab it down to third man but edges it to the keeper. There was some evidence of a snick. Misbah must be thanking his luck stars. Disappointment plastered on the face of Lakmal as well

Slinga Malinga is warming up with the batting powerplay nearly upon us.

34.2 Lakmal to Misbah, no run, good length delivery on off which is turned to mid-wicket

34.1 Lakmal to U Akmal, 1 run, back of a length delivery on middle, U Akmal drops it in front of cover and hustles across for a scampered single

Suranga Lakmal [5.0-1-26-1] is back into the attack

Misbah has cracked 7 fifties in his last 9 ODIs. I guess another one beckons tonight and if Pakistan are to pip Sri Lanka, then Misbah has to see his team through to the finish line. His positive influence has hitherto benefitted Umar.

33.6 Senanayake to U Akmal, 1 run, drifting down leg again, U Akmal nurdles a single to backward square leg as the players take drinks

33.5 Senanayake to U Akmal, no run, floated on middle and leg, defended to mid-wicket

33.4 Senanayake to Misbah, 1 run, Misbah allows the ball to spin and then wristily turns it to square leg

33.3 Senanayake to U Akmal, 1 run, full toss on middle, U Akmal pushes it to long on

33.2 Senanayake to Misbah, 1 run, sliding in on the pads, turned behind square on the on-side

33.1 Senanayake to Misbah, no run, tossed up on the leg-stump, blocked to mid-wicket

32.6 de Silva to U Akmal, no run, darted in on the stumps, U Akmal negotiates it safely

32.5 de Silva to U Akmal, FOUR, this was slower through the air on off, U Akmal takes a cue from his captain and hammers the slog sweep, pinging the cow corner fence

32.4 de Silva to Misbah, 1 run, dipping full toss off, Misbah slog-sweeps it away but there is a man protecting deep mid-wicket

32.3 de Silva to Misbah, no run, de Silva loops this one up on middle, Misbah now opts to defends it back to the bowler

32.2 de Silva to Misbah, FOUR, tossed up on middle, Misbah slaps it across the line, the ball rockets away to the long on fence. A bit of glove love between the duo as well

32.1 de Silva to Misbah, no run, whipped off the pads, very powerfully as well but mid-on interceps that

Chaturanga de Silva [8.0-1-38-1] is back into the attack

31.6 Senanayake to U Akmal, 2 runs, Senanayake digs it in outside off, U Akmal guides it to third man for a couple

31.5 Senanayake to U Akmal, no run, flighted delivery on middle, U Akmal looks to turn it towards mid-wicket, gets a leading edge that luckily for Pakistan evades Senanayake

31.3 Senanayake to Misbah, no run, Senanayake persists with the leg-stump line, Misbah taps it to mid-wicket

31.2 Senanayake to U Akmal, 1 run, drifting on to the pads, U Akmal eases it to deep square leg

31.1 Senanayake to U Akmal, no run, slower through the air on middle, U Akmal turns it in front of mid-wicket and aims for a quick single but is sent back

Sachithra Senanayake [4.0-0-17-1] is back into the attack

30.6 Lakmal to U Akmal, 1 run, pushed through full on the pads, U Akmal stylishly flicks it away through square leg

30.5 Lakmal to U Akmal, no run, good length delivery on middle, staying low as well, U Akmal manages to keep it out

30.4 Lakmal to U Akmal, FOUR, speared in full but down the wrong line- far too wide outside leg, U Akmal defly helps this one along to long leg

30.3 Lakmal to U Akmal, no run, back of a length ball tailing in, U Akmal tucks it away to mid-wicket again

30.2 Lakmal to U Akmal, no run, very full and straight, clipped to mid-on

30.1 Lakmal to U Akmal, SIX, rollicking shot from U Akmal! This was a length delivery on off, U Akmal presents a straight bat and lifts it over long on. His timing left nothing to be wanted on that occasion

Suranga Lakmal [4.0-1-15-1] is back into the attack

Suranga Lakmal, who bowled an efficient spell with the new ball has been drafted back by Mathews..

29.6 de Silva to Misbah, no run, turning down leg, Misbah does not connect the glance, the ball kisses the thigh pad on its way to the keeper

29.5 de Silva to U Akmal, 1 run, seeing U Akmal skate down the track, U Akmal drags it wide, U Akmal still manages to reach out and carve it away to sweeper cover

29.4 de Silva to U Akmal, no run, tossed up on off, bunted to cover

29.3 de Silva to U Akmal, no run, flatter in trajectory and on the pads, U Akmal's slog sweep does not come to pass

29.2 de Silva to U Akmal, no run, floated on off, U Akmal comes on the frontfoot and drives it to the right of de Silva

29.1 de Silva to Misbah, 1 run, very full and outside off, Misbah eases it to long off

28.6 Mathews to U Akmal, no run, well this is a fine example of the blow-hot-blow-cold nature of U Akmal. This was slightly back of a length and outside off, U Akmal pushes at it and watches the ball zip past the outside edge

28.5 Mathews to U Akmal, SIX, Mathews rolls his fingers across the cutter and bowls this on off, U Akmal punches it with a straight bat between midwicket and long on. Quite a unique shot that!

28.4 Mathews to U Akmal, no run, good length delivery on off, U Akmal defends it back to the bowler

28.3 Mathews to U Akmal, 2 runs, shortish and on off, U Akmal is quick to rock back and swivel-pull it away to deeo mid-wicket, where the fidler makes a sliding stop

28.2 Mathews to U Akmal, no run, good length delivery on off, U Akmal plays a forward defensive push back to Mathews

28.1 Mathews to Misbah, 1 run, cbnat cleverly rides the bounce of this back of a length ball outside off and steers it to square third man

27.6 de Silva to U Akmal, no run, on a length and on middle, U Akmal gets forward and taps it towards mid-wicket

27.5 de Silva to U Akmal, no run, spinning down leg, U Akmal misses the flick, the ball brushes the pad as it dribbles wide of Sanga

27.4 de Silva to U Akmal, no run, de Silva drags it a bit shot, U Akmal does not take full toss as he punches it back to the bowler

27.3 de Silva to U Akmal, no run, quicker on middle, pushed to mid-on

27.2 de Silva to U Akmal, no run, tossed up on off, U Akmal inches forward to defend it in front of the bowler

27.1 de Silva to U Akmal, no run, floated on off, U Akmal props forward and drives it to cover

26.6 Mathews to U Akmal, 1 run, snaking down leg, all U Akmal had to do was to the help it along behind square on the on-side

26.5 Mathews to U Akmal, no run, good length delivery on off which is dabbed to point. U Akmal seeks a quick single but decides against it at the last moment

26.4 Mathews to U Akmal, no run, Mathews bangs this steepler outside off, U Akmal arches back and lets it pass to the keeper

26.3 Mathews to Misbah, 1 run, picked off the pads to deep mid wicket

26.2 Mathews to Misbah, FOUR, width on the platter and in the slot as Misbah slaps it behind point, the ball sped away to the fence even as Mathews delivered at a slowish pace

26.1 Mathews to U Akmal, 1 run, marginally back of a length and outside off, U Akmal glides it to third man

Angelo Mathews [3.0-1-9-1] is back into the attack

25.6 de Silva to U Akmal, 1 run, drifting on to the pads, U Akmal helps himself to a single to long on and Misbah will retain strike with that

25.5 de Silva to Misbah, 1 run, its now Misbah's turn to go on the back foot and punch it in front of point

25.4 de Silva to U Akmal, 1 run, de Silva drags it a fraction short, U Akmal goes on the backfoot and punches it to sweeper cover

25.3 de Silva to Misbah, 1 run, pushed through full on off, Misbah drills it hard to long off

25.2 de Silva to U Akmal, 1 run, flatter on off, U Akmal opens the face of the bat and nudges it just wide of cover

25.1 de Silva to U Akmal, no run, tossed up on off, U Akmal lunges forward to diffuse any spin

Chaturanga de Silva [5.0-0-31-1] is back into the attack

24.6 T Perera to Misbah, no run, iffy shot now from Misbah. This was shortish and slanted across, Misbah slahes hard but only makes contact with thin air

24.5 T Perera to Misbah, SIX, Monster blow from Misbah! This was a length delivery just outside off, Misbah nails the lofted drive and sends it sailing over the bowler's head

23.5 Senanayake to U Akmal, no run, Senanayake gives this some air on middle, blocked to the off-side

23.4 Senanayake to U Akmal, no run, pushed through quicker, defended

Umar Akmal, right handed bat, comes to the crease

23.3 Senanayake to Maqsood, out Caught by de Silva!! Senanayake delivers a rank lop hop and would you believe that Maqsood had picked out the debutant at deep mid-wicket? Senanayake, who wears a wry smile on his face certainly cannot believe his luck. Maqsood rocked back and wound up for a lusty blow but hits it straight down the throat of Chaturanga, who was patrolling the boundary in the deep. Expectedly, the batsman is livid with himself as he trudges back. Maqsood c de Silva b Senanayake 17(27) [4s-1]

Senanayake to Maqsood, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

23.2 Senanayake to Maqsood, no run, Maqsood takes a couple of paces forward and plays it back to the bowler

23.1 Senanayake to Maqsood, no run, fullish and on middle and leg, Maqsood comes on the frontfoot and drives it back to the bowler

22.6 T Perera to Misbah, no run, length delivery close to off, Misbah employs soft hands and dabs it to point, who hunts it down with an agile dive

22.5 T Perera to Maqsood, 1 run, marginally back of a length and outside off, Maqsood jabs it away to sweeper cover

22.4 T Perera to Maqsood, 2 runs, back of a length ball homing in on the hips, Maqsood clips it neatly to deep mid wicket for a couple

22.3 T Perera to Misbah, 1 run, fuller and on middle, Misbah drives it back to the bowler, whose half-stop deflects it to mid off, allowing Misbah to pinch the single

22.2 T Perera to Misbah, no run, pitched up and outside off, Misbah drives it sweetly but is unable to beat the man at mid-off

22.1 T Perera to Misbah, no run, on a length and tailing in, Misbah chops it in front of point

21.6 Senanayake to Maqsood, FOUR, beautifully looped up outside off, Maqsood seeks to whack it over the park but all he manages an inside edge that takes the ball away from the gloves of Sanga and travels very fine. Close shave that

21.4 Senanayake to Maqsood, no run, floated on the stumps, defended to cover

21.3 Senanayake to Misbah, 1 run, skidding on middle, staying alarmingly low as well, Misbah adjusts well and pushes it to long on

21.2 Senanayake to Maqsood, 1 run, pushed through on off, Maqsood nudges it between cover and point

21.1 Senanayake to Misbah, 1 run, drifting on to the pads, Misbah tucks it away through square leg

20.6 T Perera to Maqsood, no run, straying on to the pads, Maqsood illustrates a flick but picks out the man at mid-wicket

20.5 T Perera to Misbah, 1 run, fullish and on the stumps, Misbah drives it to mid off and calls for a rapid single. Good response from Maqsood as well

20.4 T Perera to Misbah, no run, pitched up and on off, driven straight to the fielder at cover

20.3 T Perera to Maqsood, 1 run, on a length and outside off, Maqsood pushes it to sweeper cover

20.2 T Perera to Misbah, 1 run, Oh dear! Misbah had nearly dragged on. This was back of a length and close to the off-stump, tucking Misbah up for room, Misbah eventually chops it very fine after it evaded the stumps

20.1 T Perera to Maqsood, 1 run, a tad overpitched and outside off, Maqsood crunches it to long off

Thisara Perera [1.0-0-9-0] is back into the attack

19.6 Senanayake to Misbah, no run, spinning in from a length, Misbah goes on the backfoot and knocks it towards mid-wicket

19.5 Senanayake to Misbah, no run, sliding in on the pads, clipped away to mid-wicket

19.4 Senanayake to Misbah, no run, flighted delivery outside off, Misbah's reverse paddle only goes as far as short third man

19.3 Senanayake to Maqsood, 1 run, slightly back of a length and on off, Maqsood stays back and punches it wide of cover

19.2 Senanayake to Maqsood, no run, looped up just a shade outside off, Maqsood plays for the turn and ends up all beaten, it kept a touch low as well

19.1 Senanayake to Misbah, 1 run, flatter around off, Misbah opens the face of the bat and runs it in front of point

Sachithra Senanayake [1.0-0-7-0] is back into the attack

Senanayake takes over from Mathews..

18.6 de Silva to Misbah, 1 run, pushed through around off, drilled to long off. End of a productive over for Pakistan

18.5 de Silva to Misbah, FOUR, slammed! That raises the 100 of the Pakistan innings as well. This was angled in outside off, no real spin, Misbah slog sweeps it between midwicket and long on

18.4 de Silva to Misbah, no run, looped up just outside off, Misbah lunges forward and pats it to cover

18.2 de Silva to Misbah, 2 runs, whipped off the pads, Misbah threads the gap between backward square leg and fine leg for a well-run brace

18.1 de Silva to Maqsood, 1 run, fullish and on middle, bunted to mid off

17.6 Mathews to Misbah, no run, good length delivery homing in on off, Misbah defends it calmly. Misbah's calmness is what Pakistan need in this stiff chase

17.5 Mathews to Misbah, 2 runs, on a length and outside off, Misbah leans and directs it to deep backward point with an angled bat

17.4 Mathews to Maqsood, 1 run, Mathews dishes out a lifter, Maqsood carries on with the pull despite not getting into a balanced position, the ball balloons off the top half of the bat and drops in front of long leg

17.3 Mathews to Maqsood, no run, Mathews reverts to the good length of the spectrum, Maqsood guides it to point

17.2 Mathews to Maqsood, no run, back of a length delivery close to the off-stump, Maqsood has can only chop it adjacent to the pitch

17.1 Mathews to Misbah, 1 run, good length delivery on off, Misbah pushes it just wide of cover

16.6 de Silva to Maqsood, no run, quicker on off and middle, Maqsood drives it back to the bowler

16.5 de Silva to Misbah, 1 run, flighted on middle, Misbah eases it to long on

16.4 de Silva to Misbah, no run, pushed through on off, Misbah goes back and whips it to mid wicket

16.3 de Silva to Misbah, no run, Misbah opens the face and steers it to short third man

16.2 de Silva to Misbah, no run, tossed up on off, Misbah reaches and drives it to cover

15.6 Mathews to Misbah, no run, back of a length on off, Misbah punches it to backward point, he got that high on the bat

15.5 Mathews to Misbah, no run, holds its line outside off, Misbah is squared up as he plays this to the off-side

15.4 Mathews to Misbah, no run, on a length around off, Misbah dabs it to backward point

15.3 Mathews to Misbah, no run, well directed bouncer, Misbah ducks under it and evades it easily

15.2 Mathews to Misbah, no run, back of a length around off, Misbah shuffles across and turns it gently to mid wicket

15.1 Mathews to Misbah, no run, takes the pace of outside off, Misbah taps it in front of backward point

14.6 de Silva to Maqsood, no run, a repeat of the previous delivery, Maqsood stands tall and knocks this quicker delivery to cover

14.5 de Silva to Maqsood, no run, folat and around off, Maqsood punches it to cover

14.4 de Silva to Misbah, 1 run, throws this up outside off, Misbah drives it nicely to long off

14.3 de Silva to Maqsood, 1 run, tossed up on the stumps, Maqsood pushes it back to the bowler, who fumbles and allows the run to be taken

14.2 de Silva to Maqsood, no run, pushed through on middle and leg, Maqsood tries to force it off the front foot, but gets an inside edge onto the pads, de Silva appeals for an LBW but there was a clear bat on that

14.1 de Silva to Maqsood, no run, skidding onto the pads, Maqsood whips it to short fine leg

13.6 Mathews to Misbah, 2 runs, off-cutter on middle, Misbah clips it to deep mid wicket and calls for two, Maqsood repsonds well to that and they get two comfortably

13.5 Mathews to Misbah, no run, good length ball around off, Misbah stays back and knocks it to the off-side

13.5 Mathews to Misbah, wide, bouncer down leg, Misbah gets inside the line and leaves it alone, the umpire calls it a wide

13.4 Mathews to Misbah, no run, Mathews bangs one short and just outside off, Misbah drops his gloves and gets out of the way

Misbah-ul-Haq, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Drinks are on the field now

13.3 Mathews to Hafeez, out Lbw!! The skipper strikes in his first over. This one tails back in sharply from a length, Hafeez stays rooted to the crease and tries to work it to the leg-side, but misses it completely as the ball raps him on the pads, that looked dead and the umpire had no hesitation in rising his finger. The ball would have gone on to hit the middle stump. Hafeez lbw b Mathews 18(19) [4s-2]

Mathews to Hafeez, THATS OUT!! Lbw!!

13.2 Mathews to Maqsood, 1 run, banged in short and on the body, Maqsood fends it with loose bottom hands to the on-side, Hafeez calls him for a quick single

12.6 de Silva to Hafeez, 3 runs, skidding onto the pads, Hafeez goes deep in the crease and clips it to long leg, the ball was racing towards the ropes before a tumbling dive from Senanayake stops it

12.5 de Silva to Hafeez, no run, Hafeez comes down the track and yorks himself, he squeezes it out to cover

12.4 de Silva to Maqsood, 1 run, tossed up around off, Maqsood drives it down to long off

Sohaib Maqsood, right handed bat, comes to the crease

12.3 de Silva to Ahmed Shehzad, out Bowled!! The debutant gets rid of the good looking Shehzad. This was one goes straight on with the arm, Shehzad plays for the turn, the ball brushes the front pad and goes between gap to hit the off-stump. Another delay in play has caused the batsman his wicket. Ahmed Shehzad b de Silva 28(37) [4s-4]

12.1 de Silva to Ahmed Shehzad, 1 run, quicker on middle, Shehzad hangs back and gets an inside edge to backward square leg

12.1 de Silva to Ahmed Shehzad, 5 wides, darted down leg, Shehzad misses the paddle and Sanga once again fails to gather it, he should have down better there

The grip on Shehzad's bat is torn. He has asked for a new one and while the substitutes put it on the batsmen take a drink.

11.6 T Perera to Ahmed Shehzad, 1 run, again slightly short and outside off, Shehzad cuts it to the right of backward point, where Senanayake makes a half stop

11.5 T Perera to Hafeez, 1 run, fullish on off, Hafeez pushes it to mid-on and sets off for a quick single

11.4 T Perera to Hafeez, FOUR, good length ball just outside off, Hafeez plays a copybook square drive, the ball races across the turf to the sweeper cover fence, the fielder was just 5 meters away from that but he had no chance of stopping that

11.3 T Perera to Ahmed Shehzad, 1 run, touch short and outside off, Shehzad toe-ends the cut to third man

11.2 T Perera to Ahmed Shehzad, no run, some movement away from the batsman, Shehzad has a poke at it and is beaten, Sanga looked convinced that he had his man but the umpire was not, even Perera joined in late for the appeal

11.1 T Perera to Ahmed Shehzad, 2 runs, short and outside off, Shehzad cuts it to backward point and a rare sight as Senanayake misfields

Thisara Perera, right-arm medium, comes into the attack

10.6 de Silva to Hafeez, no run, some turn for de Silva, Hafeez tries to work it to the on-side, gets a leading edge to cover

10.5 de Silva to Hafeez, 2 runs, drops it slightly short and outside off, Hafeez guides the cut to deep backward point for a couple

10.4 de Silva to Hafeez, no run, quicker and just outside off, Hafeez lunges forward and blocks well

10.3 de Silva to Hafeez, no run, slower and on off, Hafeez comes down the track and pushes it back to the bowler

10.2 de Silva to Hafeez, no run, tossed up on off, Hafeez defends with the bat in front of his pads

10.1 de Silva to Ahmed Shehzad, 1 run, flighted on off, Shehzad eases it to long off

10.1 de Silva to Ahmed Shehzad, 3 wides, starts with one down leg, Shehzad does not get any bat and Sanga fails to collect it, bonus runs for Pakistan

Chaturanga de Silva, left-arm orthodox, comes into the attack

9.6 Malinga to Ahmed Shehzad, 3 runs, slower delivery on the pads, Shehzad presses forward and flicks it to deep mid wicket, the fielder stops it with his boots and the duo come back for the third

9.5 Malinga to Ahmed Shehzad, FOUR, half volley outside off, Shehzad leans forward and creams the drive to deep extra cover, it was bowled at 140 kph but left the bat at a much higher speed

9.4 Malinga to Ahmed Shehzad, no run, off-cutter on off, Shehzad makes a bit of room and punches it to extra cover

9.3 Malinga to Ahmed Shehzad, no run, full toss just outside off, Shehzad drags the drive to mid-on, he is disappointed that he did not put that away

9.2 Malinga to Ahmed Shehzad, no run, slower delivery on middle, Shehzad reads it early and blocks it back to Malinga

9.1 Malinga to Ahmed Shehzad, FOUR, short delivery outside off, Shehzad latches on to it and pulls it in front of square, he didn't middle it but the ball skids off the turf and into the fence

8.6 Lakmal to Hafeez, no run, length ball around off, Hafeez drives it past Lakmal but does not beat mid-off

8.5 Lakmal to Ahmed Shehzad, 1 run, back of a length on leg, Shehzad gives charge and gets an inside edge to the on-side, Hafeez calls him through for the single

8.4 Lakmal to Ahmed Shehzad, no run, on a length just outside off, Shehzad punches and finds short cover. He has started to middle the ball after starting off slowly

8.3 Lakmal to Ahmed Shehzad, no run, good length ball that nips back in a touch, Shehzad gets a thick inside edge to mid-on

8.2 Lakmal to Ahmed Shehzad, FOUR, banged in mid-way down the wicket, Shehzad is quick to rock and play the short arm pull to the deep mid wicket fence

8.1 Lakmal to Ahmed Shehzad, no run, short of length around off, Shehzad knocks it to cover-point

7.5 Malinga to Ahmed Shehzad, 1 run, back of a length outside off, Shehzad stands tall and punches it once again on the up, that had four written all over it before Chandimal intercepts at cover, he makes a fine stop and keeps the batsmen down to one

7.4 Malinga to Ahmed Shehzad, no run, targeting the stumps, Shehzad knocks it in front of mid-on

7.3 Malinga to Ahmed Shehzad, no run, touch short and outside off, Shehzad hangs back and works it to mid-on

7.1 Malinga to Ahmed Shehzad, FOUR, fabulous shot! This was on a length outside off, Shehzad gets a good stride forward and drives it on the up to deep extra cover, that was caressed through the in-field

Lasith Malinga [3.0-0-16-0] is back into the attack

6.6 Lakmal to Hafeez, no run, extra bounce from a length, Hafeez comes well forward and plays it with soft hands to the off-side

6.5 Lakmal to Hafeez, no run, back of a length on off, Hafeez gets back and across to defend it

6.4 Lakmal to Hafeez, 2 runs, drifting onto the pads, Hafeez clips it past mid wicket for a brace, he has come out with a positive mind-set

6.3 Lakmal to Hafeez, no run, good length ball on off, Hafeez jams it down to the on-side

6.2 Lakmal to Hafeez, FOUR, gets off the mark in style, bit short on off and middle, Hafeez shuffles across and whips it to deep square leg, the timing take it to the fence, that was right of the middle

Mohammad Hafeez, right handed bat, comes to the crease

6.1 Lakmal to Sharjeel Khan, out Caught by Mathews!! The change of ends for Lakmal has worked. This was short and outside off, Sharjeel was in no postion in playing the pull, he gets it off the bottom of the bat to mid-on, Mathews takes the simplest of catches and Sharjeel makes the long walk back to the pavillion. Sharjeel Khan c Mathews b Lakmal 26(23) [4s-4 6s-1]

4.5 Malinga to Sharjeel Khan, FOUR, length delivery on the stumps, Sharjeel gets behind it and plays the pick up shot, he does not middle it but gets the desired result, the ball races to the backward square leg fence

4.4 Malinga to Sharjeel Khan, FOUR, misses the yorker by couple of inches, Sharjeel gets his front foot out of the way and lofts it over mid-on, a couple of bounces and the ball reaches the fence. Top shot!

4.3 Malinga to Sharjeel Khan, no run, slower delivery on the fifth stump line, Sharjeel pushes it to cover-point

4.2 Malinga to Sharjeel Khan, no run, pitches it up outside off, Sharjeel mistimes the drive to mid-off

4.1 Malinga to Sharjeel Khan, no run, good length ball around off-stump, Sharjeel presses forward and blocks well

3.6 Lakmal to Ahmed Shehzad, no run, short of length outside off, Shehzad toe-ends the punch towards short cover

3.5 Lakmal to Ahmed Shehzad, no run, sliding on middle and leg, Shehzad shuffles across and misses the glance as the ball thuds into the thigh pad

3.4 Lakmal to Ahmed Shehzad, no run, back of a length around off, Shehzad goes on the back foot and pats it to cover

Second slip is moved to short cover

3.3 Lakmal to Ahmed Shehzad, no run, shapes away outside off, Shehzad tries to drive but is done in by the late movement

3.2 Lakmal to Sharjeel Khan, leg byes, 1 run, Lakmal gets one to jag back, Sharjeel is cramped for room as he looks to cut, the ball hits him high on the back pad, an LBW is turned down as it was going over the stumps

3.1 Lakmal to Sharjeel Khan, FOUR, pulls the length back slightly, Sharjeel is quick to pick the length up and pull it over mid wicket, it was a short arm jab

2.6 Malinga to Ahmed Shehzad, no run, fuller and outside off, Shehzad gets well forward and defends it solidly to cover

2.5 Malinga to Sharjeel Khan, 1 run, good length ball on off, Sharjeel flicks it past mid wicket, they think abouth the second but don't take it as the fielder was Senanayake

2.4 Malinga to Ahmed Shehzad, 1 run, straying onto the pads, Shehzad gets inside the line and clips it to fine leg

2.3 Malinga to Sharjeel Khan, 1 run, nips back in from the angle, no foot movement whatsoever from Sharjeel as the ball squirts off the inside edge to deep square leg

2.2 Malinga to Sharjeel Khan, no run, comes back in on off, Sharjeel tries to force it without moving his feet, gets an inside edge to mid wicket

Malinga changes the angle to round the wicket

2.1 Malinga to Sharjeel Khan, no run, Malinga gets this to straighten on middle, Sharjeel stays in the crease and blocks well

1.6 Lakmal to Ahmed Shehzad, no run, length ball just outside off, Shehzad prefers to hang back and defend it to cover

1.5 Lakmal to Ahmed Shehzad, no run, on a length and on off-stump, Shehzad comes slightly forward and taps it in front of cover

1.3 Lakmal to Ahmed Shehzad, no run, huge shout for LBW! This was a length delivery that nips away, Shehzad plays for the inswinger and is hit on the back pad, but height was an issue as the ball struck him above the knee roll, good decision in the end

More conventional field for Lakmal, two slips in place

1.2 Lakmal to Ahmed Shehzad, no run, good length ball heading into the stumps, Shehzad gets behind it and knocks it to mid-on

1.1 Lakmal to Ahmed Shehzad, no run, tad short and holds its line around off, Shehzad is squared up as he defends it to backward point

Suranga Lakmal, right-arm medium, comes into the attack

0.6 Malinga to Sharjeel Khan, FOUR, Sharjeel spoils what was looking like a good over, slightly back of a length on leg-stump, Sharjeel goes deep in the crease and whips it to backward square leg, the fielder was quite square and had no chance of stopping that

The second catcher is at short mid wicket...

0.5 Malinga to Sharjeel Khan, no run, tails back in from short of length, Sharjeel stays back and pushes it back to Malinga

0.4 Malinga to Sharjeel Khan, no run, slanted across the left-hander, Sharjeel lets it go through to Sanga

0.3 Malinga to Sharjeel Khan, no run, length delivery on leg, Sharjeel punches it to mid-on

Only one slip in place...

0.2 Malinga to Sharjeel Khan, no run, bit short and outside off, Sharjeel cuts straight to backward point

0.1 Malinga to Sharjeel Khan, no run, back of a length angled outside off, Sharjeel goes for an ambitous cut but misses as the ball goes past the outside edge, loose shot from the opener

Sharjeel Khan and Ahmed Shehzad are at the crease. Sharjeel Khan is on strike. Malinga will open the attack

Welcome back for the run chase. Pakistan batsmen have a daunting task ahead of them and a lot will depend upon Shahzad, Hafeez and Misbah if they have to win this. All in readiness for the first ball. Malinga to start off proceedings.....

Pakistan bowlers were led by the spin twins, Ajmal and Afridi. They were economical and got crucial wickets in the batting powerplay. Gul gave them good support as he picked up two. Pakistan have never chased 250 plus in an ODI since March 2011. So they have their backs against the wall. Will they be able to get this total or will they falter? Join us in a short while to find out.....

Pakistan have made an excellent recovery. At one stage, Sri Lanka were well on course for a score around 320-330. Perera went early as he nicked one off Gul. After that it was the Thirimanne and Sangakkara show, as the were invloved in a record 2nd wicket partnership. Thirimanne took his time at the start, but came into his own as the innings progressed. He got to his second ODI ton and fell soon afterwards. Sanga gave him good company and was batting brilliantly before middling a pull to mid wicket. Few quick wickets slowed down the scoring, but Mathews hit some lusty blows to take his team towards that 300-mark.

49.6 Junaid Khan to Mathews, 1 run, indipping yorker, Mathews digs it out to long on, he wanted the second but Chandimal was not interested

49.5 Junaid Khan to Mathews, FOUR, off-cutter outside off, Mathews gives the charge, makes room and slaps it in the air over extra cover for a boundary

49.4 Junaid Khan to Chandimal, 1 run, yorker on middle, Chandimal squeezes it to long on

49.3 Junaid Khan to Chandimal, 2 runs, slower delivery outside off, Chandimal goes for the scoop but is decieved by the pace, but he adjusts well and gets it down to fine leg

49.2 Junaid Khan to Mathews, 1 run, full toss on the stumps, Mathews comes down the track and slices it square of the wicket on the off-side, he gets his 18th ODI fifty

49.1 Junaid Khan to Mathews, 2 runs, back of a length on off, Mathews pulls and gets a thick inside edge to fine leg for a couple

48.6 Ajmal to Chandimal, no run, short and outside off, Chandimal cuts and finds backward point

48.5 Ajmal to Chandimal, no run, fired down leg, Chandimal goes for the sweep, does not get any bat as the ball goes off the pads to Akmal

48.4 Ajmal to Mathews, 1 run, doosra outside off, Mathews waits for it and cuts it to deep backward point

48.3 Ajmal to Mathews, 2 runs, tossed up just outside off, Mathews swings across the line and picks out deep mid wicket, excellent running from Chandimal as the throw was to his end but he was well home

48.2 Ajmal to Chandimal, 1 run, flighted on middle, Chandimal shuffles across and works it to deep backward square leg

48.1 Ajmal to Mathews, 1 run, darted in full on off, Mathews comes halrf forward and nudges it to mid wicket, where the fielder is right on the edge

47.5 Junaid Khan to Mathews, FOUR, low full toss on middle and leg, Mathews makes a bit of room and uses his power to good effect as he lofts it inside out over extra cover, that was all muscle from the skipper

46.3 Ajmal to Chandimal, 1 run, flighted on the stumps, Chandimal paddles it off the inside edge to long leg

46.2 Ajmal to Mathews, 1 run, tossed up just outside off, Mathews reaches out and takes it on the full as he scoops it to long leg

46.1 Ajmal to Mathews, no run, pushed through on off, Mathews turns it to mid wicket

45.6 Junaid Khan to Chandimal, FOUR, slower delivery, Chandimal looks to work it to the on-side but gets an outside edge, the ball goes on the bounce to Akmal, who fails to collect it and the ball rolls away to the third man fence

45.5 Junaid Khan to Mathews, 1 run, indipping yorker, Mathews clears his front leg and digs it to long on

45.4 Junaid Khan to Chandimal, 1 run, low full toss on leg-stump, Chandimal makes room and squeezes it to mid-off

round the wicket now....

45.3 Junaid Khan to Chandimal, FOUR, banged in mid-way down the wicket, Chandimal picks it up quickly and pulls it to deep mid wicket, nice transfer of weight on to the back foot. That was the first boundary in 3 overs

45.2 Junaid Khan to Chandimal, no run, short of good length just outside off, Chandimal steers it straight to backward point

45.1 Junaid Khan to Chandimal, 2 runs, back of a length on off, Chandimal gets inside the line and whips it to deep backward square leg, Sharjeel makes an excellent stop and keeps the batsmen down to two

44.6 Ajmal to Chandimal, 1 run, pushed through on middle, Chandimal shuffles across and glances but can't beat the man at short fine leg

44.5 Ajmal to Mathews, 1 run, fullish on middle and leg, Mathews nurdles it behind it square on the on-side

44.4 Ajmal to Mathews, no run, Mathews clips and picks out Misbah at mid wicket

44.3 Ajmal to Chandimal, 1 run, tossed up on middle, Chandimal comes down the track and works it to mid wicket

44.2 Ajmal to Chandimal, no run, quicker delivery, Chandimal taps it to backward point

43.6 Junaid Khan to Chandimal, no run, pulls the length back on off, Chandimal hangs back and works it to mid wicket. End of an excellent over, where only 2 runs were conceded

43.5 Junaid Khan to Chandimal, no run, on a length just outside off, Chandimal guides it to backward point

43.4 Junaid Khan to Mathews, 1 run, back of a length around off, Mathews stands tall and punches it to long off

Dinesh Chandimal, right handed bat, comes to the crease

43.3 Junaid Khan to Mathews, out de Silva Run Out!! He is not lucky for the second time. Mathews knocks this length delivery to backward point, the debutant was eager to get back on strike and was mid-way down the wicket, Shahzad comes in quickly, takes aim and hits the bulls-eye at the non-striker's end. de Silva run out (Ahmed Shehzad) 2(2)

Junaid Khan to Mathews, THATS OUT!! Run Out!!

43.2 Junaid Khan to Mathews, no run, good length ball outside off, Mathews pushes it to cover, de Silva was half way down the wicket but Afridi does not hit the stumps at the bowler's end

43.1 Junaid Khan to de Silva, 1 run, fullish on off, de Silva drives it to long on

Junaid Khan [5.0-0-27-0] is back into the attack

42.6 Afridi to Mathews, no run, slightly back of a length around off, Mathews guides it to backward point where Hafeez prevents the single

42.5 Afridi to Mathews, no run, flighted on off, Mathews defends it to cover

42.4 Afridi to de Silva, 1 run, the wrong-un outside off, de Silva gets a leading edge to mid-off and gets off the mark in ODIs

42.3 Afridi to Mathews, no run, touch short and outside off, Mathews chops the cut to backward point

42.2 Afridi to Mathews, 2 runs, flat and just outside off, Mathews punches it wide of long off for a brace

Chaturanga de Silva, left handed bat, comes to the crease

42.1 Afridi to T Perera, out Caught by Ahmed Shehzad!! Boom Boom gets the dangerous Thisara Perera. This was the googly on middle, Perera goes for the heave across the line and miscues it straight down the throat of Shahzad at deep mid wicket who makes no mistake. That was smart bowling from the Afridi, as the bowled the one that goes the other way for the left-hander. T Perera c Ahmed Shehzad b Afridi 6(9)

Afridi to T Perera, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

41.6 Bhatti to Mathews, FOUR, length delivery around off, Mathews gives himself a bit of room and lofts it to long off, it was more of a chip than loft, it was also a calculated shot as the fielder was inside the circle

41.5 Bhatti to Mathews, 2 runs, short of length outside off, Mathews hops up and taps it to backward point, Hafeez has a go at the bowler's end, there was no one backing up and the batsmen take the extra run

41.4 Bhatti to T Perera, 1 run, low full toss just outside off, Perera mistimes the drive to long on

41.3 Bhatti to T Perera, no run, full and angled outside off, Perera goes for the booming drive but is nowhere close to the ball

41.2 Bhatti to Mathews, 1 run, back of a length outside off, Mathews pushes it in front of mid-off and calls Perera for a brisk single, the fielder was on the edge which made that even easier

41.1 Bhatti to Mathews, no run, slightly short and aroud off, Mathews knocks it to mid wicket

Bilawal Bhatti [3.0-0-19-0] is back into the attack

40.6 Afridi to Mathews, 1 run, slides on middle and leg, Mathews tries to defend but gets an inside edge to short fine leg, Perera calls him for a quick single and they get it easily

40.5 Afridi to Mathews, no run, throws this up around off, Mathews lunges forward in defence

38.6 Afridi to T Perera, 1 run, pushed through on middle, Perera clips it to the vacant mid wicket region and gets off the mark

Thisara Perera, left handed bat, comes to the crease

38.5 Afridi to M Jayawardene, out Bowled!! Afridi gets the big wicket and celebrates in typical fashion, raising both his hands in the air. This was the quicker delivery on the stumps, Jayawardene tries to late cut but ends up chopping it back on to the stumps. It was too close to the body for him to be playing that shot. M Jayawardene b Afridi 13(19)

Afridi to M Jayawardene, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

38.4 Afridi to Mathews, 1 run, flat and on off, Mathews hangs back and punches it to long off

38.3 Afridi to M Jayawardene, 1 run, flighted around off, Jayawardene sweeps it in the air just short of deep mid wicket

38.2 Afridi to Mathews, 1 run, tossed up on off and middle, Mathews gets to the pitch and turns it to square leg

37.6 Ajmal to Mathews, no run, quicker on leg-stump, Mathews nudges it to the man at square leg

37.5 Ajmal to Mathews, SIX, excellent hit! This was given bit more air on middle, Mathews dances down the track and lofts it handsomely over the long on fence for a maximum

37.4 Ajmal to Mathews, FOUR, bit straight from Ajmal, Mathews gets inside the line and sweeps it in the air over the backward square leg, they needed that boundary as it is the first in the batting powerplay

37.3 Ajmal to Mathews, no run, tossed up on off, Mathews skips down the wicket and turns it to mid wicket

37.2 Ajmal to Mathews, no run, darted in around off, Mathews late cuts straight to short third man

36.6 Afridi to M Jayawardene, 3 runs, half tracker on middle, Jayawardene rocks back and pulls it to deep mid wicket, the fielder does not stop it on the first attempt which allows the duo to take an extra run

36.5 Afridi to M Jayawardene, no run, pulls the length back as he sees the batsman coming down the track, but Jayawardene does well to block it to the off-side

36.4 Afridi to Mathews, 1 run, floated on off and middle, Mathews uses his wrists and works it wide of long on

36.3 Afridi to Mathews, no run, slower and on the stumps, Mathews taps it back down the pitch

36.2 Afridi to M Jayawardene, 1 run, goes straight on with the arm, Jayawardene knocks it to the leg-side and takes a quick single

36.1 Afridi to M Jayawardene, no run, fires it in on off-stump, Jayawardene gets his bat down in time and jams it to the off-side, that hurried on to him

35.6 Ajmal to Mathews, no run, fullish and outside off, Mathews drives it back to Ajmal

35.5 Ajmal to Mathews, no run, spinning in on middle, Mathews leans forward and turns it to square leg

35.4 Ajmal to Mathews, no run, quicker and on off, Mathews makes room and cuts it to backward point

35.2 Ajmal to Thirimanne, out Bowled!! The break brings the downfall of the centurion. Lapse in concentration. This was pushed through and goes straight on, Thirimanne is no where to the pitch of the ball as he tries to drive but is beaten as the ball goes on to hit the off-pole. Thirimanne b Ajmal 102(110) [4s-11 6s-1]

Ajmal to Thirimanne, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

The physio is out in the middle, he attending to Thirimanne's thumb which seems to be in some sort of pain.

35.1 Ajmal to M Jayawardene, 1 run, fires it on the pads, Jayawardene nudges it to deep backward square leg

34.5 Afridi to M Jayawardene, no run, Jayawardene comes well forward and defends it well to cover

34.4 Afridi to Thirimanne, 1 run, flighted on leg-stump, Thirimanne comes slightly forward and punches it to long on

34.3 Afridi to M Jayawardene, 1 run, darted onto the pads, Jayawardene clips it to long on

34.2 Afridi to M Jayawardene, no run, bit quicker on off, Jayawardene blocks back down the wicket

34.1 Afridi to Thirimanne, 1 run, throws this up outside off, Thirimanne drives it along the turf to long off

With 16 overs left and 5 of them being the batting powerplay, Sri Lanka will be looking somewhere close to 320-330 and they have the power hitting of Mathews and Thisara Perera still to come. Pakistan will look for damage control from here on....

33.6 Umar Gul to Thirimanne, 1 run, Thirimanne gets his 2nd ODI hundred, his 1st against Pakistan, full and outside off, he drives to sweeper cover and takes off his helmet, soaks in the applause from his team-mates and the crowd as the drinks trolley comes on to the ground

33.5 Umar Gul to M Jayawardene, 1 run, fullish on off-stump, Jayawardene pats it to cover point and sets off for a quick single

33.4 Umar Gul to M Jayawardene, no run, back of a length on off, Jayawardene hangs back and guides it to backward point

33.3 Umar Gul to M Jayawardene, no run, on a length around off, Jayawardene defends it solidly back to the bowler

A slip in place for Jayawardene

33.2 Umar Gul to Thirimanne, 1 run, bit short and just outside off, Thirimanne dabs it to the right of backward point and picks up the single

33.1 Umar Gul to Thirimanne, no run, good length ball on off, Thirimanne taps it to backward point

32.6 Afridi to Thirimanne, 1 run, Thirimanne keeps strike with a punch down to long on

32.5 Afridi to Thirimanne, no run, quicker on middle and leg, Thirimanne works it to mid wicket

32.4 Afridi to Thirimanne, FOUR, what nervous 90's says Thirimanne, this flighted outside off, Thirimanne comes well forward and lofts it to the long off fence. Moves to 97

32.3 Afridi to Thirimanne, no run, pushed through on leg-stump, Thirimanne knocks it to mid wicket

32.2 Afridi to M Jayawardene, 1 run, fuller and on off, Jayawardene gets to the pitch and eases it to long off

32.1 Afridi to M Jayawardene, no run, tossed up around off, Jayawardene comes forward and blocks

31.5 Umar Gul to Sangakkara, out Caught by Ahmed Shehzad!! Finally a wicket for Pakistan, it is Gul again who has provided the break through, it was a shortish delivery from Gul, Sangakkara timed the pull well, but couldn't keep it down and hits it straight to Shehzad at midwicket. Sangakkara c Ahmed Shehzad b Umar Gul 67(65) [4s-8]

Umar Gul to Sangakkara, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

31.4 Umar Gul to Thirimanne, 1 run, keeps it full again, Thirimanne drives it to long off

This is now the highest 2nd wicket partnership for Sri Lanka against Pakistan

31.2 Umar Gul to Thirimanne, 1 run, fullish on off, Thirimanne drives it to long off

31.1 Umar Gul to Thirimanne, no run, angling in from round the wicket, Thirimanne gets across and works it to midwicket

30.6 Hafeez to Thirimanne, 1 run, tossed up delivery outside off, Thirimanne drives it down to long off

30.5 Hafeez to Thirimanne, SIX, that's the first six of the match, tossed up delivery on middle, Thirimanne gets down and slog sweeps it across the line over deep mid wicket, Pakistan are staring at a big total here

30.4 Hafeez to Sangakkara, 1 run, flatter delivery outside off, Sangakkara punches it past the fielder to long off

30.3 Hafeez to Thirimanne, 1 run, fired in full on off, Thirimanne eases it down to long off, the partnership between Thirimanne and Sangakkara is now 150

30.2 Hafeez to Sangakkara, 1 run, flighted delivery outside off, Sangakkara drives it down to long off

30.1 Hafeez to Thirimanne, 1 run, flatter delivery on the stumps, Thirimanne punches it down to long on

29.6 Umar Gul to Sangakkara, no run, full and tailing into the pads, Sangakkara clips it to the leg side, he wanted a single, but was sent back

29.5 Umar Gul to Thirimanne, 1 run, slightly shorter, Thirimanne punches it down to long on

29.4 Umar Gul to Thirimanne, no run, back of a length delivery from round the wicket, Thirimanne chops it towards point

25.6 Afridi to Sangakkara, FOUR, another boundary off the over, this is pure class from Sanga, bit too full from Boom Boom again, Sangakkara leans onto it and just caresses it between extra cover and long off

25.5 Afridi to Thirimanne, leg byes, 1 run, fired in full on the pads, Thirimanne misses out on the clip shot and the ball rolls away to square leg

25.4 Afridi to Thirimanne, no run, slower through the air, Thirimanne defends it to the off side

25.3 Afridi to Thirimanne, FOUR, flighted delivery on the stumps, Thirimanne gets under it and smacks it through the line straight down the ground, one bounce and into the fence, it was more like a golf swing

25.2 Afridi to Thirimanne, no run, quicker and flatter on the stumps, Thirimanne works it to midwicket

25.1 Afridi to Sangakkara, 1 run, flighted delivery on the stumps, Sangakkara comes down the track and flicks it to deep mid wicket

24.6 Ajmal to Thirimanne, 2 runs, slower through the air, it turns away after pitching, Thirimanne late-cuts it down to third man for a brace

24.5 Ajmal to Sangakkara, 1 run, flatter delivery on the stumps, Sangakkara punches it down to mid on

24.4 Ajmal to Sangakkara, no run, flatter delivery outside off, Sangakkara pushes it to short covers

24.3 Ajmal to Thirimanne, 1 run, reaches out and drives it to cover point for an easy single

24.2 Ajmal to Thirimanne, no run, floated up outside off, Thirimanne drives it to covers

23.6 Afridi to Sangakkara, 1 run, flatter delivery outside off, Sangakkara plays it square of the wicket on the off side

23.5 Afridi to Sangakkara, 2 runs, very good chase by Gul, he's saved 2 runs here, flighted delivery outside off, Sangakkara gets to the pitch of the ball and just caresses it between extra cover and long off, the partnership between Sangakkara and Thirimanne is now 101

23.4 Afridi to Thirimanne, 1 run, fired in full on middle, Thirimanne drives it down to mid on

23.3 Afridi to Thirimanne, no run, bit of hesitation, but Sangakkara gets back quickly, Thirimanne plays it towards the leg side, Sanga wanted the single, but Thirimanne was not interested

23.2 Afridi to Thirimanne, no run, quicker delivery this time, Thirimanne defends it to the off side

23.1 Afridi to Sangakkara, 1 run, straying on the pads, Sangakkara works it to deep square leg

22.6 Ajmal to Thirimanne, no run, fired in full on middle, Thirimanne pushes it to covers

22.5 Ajmal to Thirimanne, no run, pushed through quicker on the stumps, Thirimanne gets across and defends it to the leg side

22.4 Ajmal to Thirimanne, no run, floated up outside off, Thirimanne pushes it back to the bowler

22.3 Ajmal to Thirimanne, FOUR, edged and it goes through the vacant slip region, pitched outside off and he gets some slow away turn, Thirimanne was lured forward, but the extra turn takes the outside edge to third man fence

22.1 Ajmal to Sangakkara, no run, quicker delivery drifting in, Sangakkara defends it back to the bowler

21.6 Afridi to Thirimanne, no run, tossed up delivery outside off, Thirimanne drives it to covers

21.5 Afridi to Sangakkara, 1 run, straying on the pads, Sangakkara works it away to backward square leg

21.4 Afridi to Thirimanne, 1 run, tossed up delivery outside off, Thirimanne drives it to mid off for a quick single, a direct hit at the bowler's end, but Thirimanne had made it just by a small margin and the third umpire rules him not out

21.3 Afridi to Thirimanne, no run, flatter delivery outside off, Thirimanne pushes it to point

21.2 Afridi to Thirimanne, FOUR, that was cheeky from Thirimanne, had he missed he would have been trapped right in front, full on middle and turning in, Thirimanne gets across his stumps and works it away to fine leg

21.1 Afridi to Thirimanne, no run, starts off with a full-toss, Thirimanne drives it back to the bowler

Shahid Afridi, right-arm leg break, comes into the attack

20.6 Ajmal to Thirimanne, 1 run, they are ticking the scoreboard easily, tossed up delivery outside off, Thirimanne drives it down to long off

20.4 Ajmal to Sangakkara, no run, flatter delivery on the stumps, Sangakkara defends it to the off side

20.3 Ajmal to Thirimanne, 1 run, straying on the pads, Thirimanne works it away to backward square leg

20.2 Ajmal to Thirimanne, byes, FOUR, oh it has beaten everything here, pushed through quicker on the stumps, Thirimanne reaches out for an expansive drive, but missed it completely and the keeper also couldn't collect it

20.1 Ajmal to Thirimanne, no run, pitched outside off and turning away, Thirimanne pushes it to point

19.6 Bhatti to Thirimanne, 1 run, once again straying on the pads, Thirimanne works it away to fine leg, retains the strike with that run

19.5 Bhatti to Thirimanne, no run, slips in a yorker, they should bowl these often, Thirimanne digs it out to the off side

19.4 Bhatti to Sangakkara, 1 run, they are rotating the strike at will, back of a length delivery on the pads, tucked away to backward square leg

19.3 Bhatti to Sangakkara, leg byes, FOUR, poor line again from Bhatti, back of a length and down the leg side, Sangakkara misses out on it and the ball races away off his pads to fine leg fence

19.2 Bhatti to Thirimanne, 1 run, angling into the pads, Thirimanne works it away to deep mid wicket, gets to his 7th ODI fifty as well, 1st against Pakistan

19.1 Bhatti to Sangakkara, leg byes, 1 run, loud appeal for a LBW is turned down, it was full and pushed across him, but it was pitched outside the leg stump, Bhatti was very confident, but the umpire has got it right this time around

Bilawal Bhatti [2.0-0-16-0] is back into the attack

18.6 Ajmal to Sangakkara, 1 run, flighted delivery outside off, Sangakkara drives it to long off, retains the strike with that run

18.1 Ajmal to Thirimanne, 1 run, tossed up delivery on off, Thirimanne drives it down to long off

Saeed Ajmal, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

17.6 Junaid Khan to Sangakkara, no run, full and tailing in, Sangakkara pushes it towards mid on

17.5 Junaid Khan to Thirimanne, 1 run, banged in short on the stumps, Thirimanne rolls his wrists and pulls it away to deep square leg

17.4 Junaid Khan to Sangakkara, 1 run, angling in from outside off, Sangakkara punches it to mid on for a quick single

17.4 Junaid Khan to Sangakkara, wide, banged in short well down the leg side, wide signalled

17.3 Junaid Khan to Sangakkara, FOUR, another pleasing shot from the veteran, on a length, Sangakkara skips down the track, presents full face of the bat and bunts it all along the ground to long on

17.2 Junaid Khan to Sangakkara, no run, slightly shorter and closer to the off stump, Sangakkara pushes it to point

17.1 Junaid Khan to Sangakkara, no run, back of a length delivery just outside off, punched off the back foot to covers

Drinks are on the field now

16.6 Bhatti to Thirimanne, FOUR, another boundary for Thirimanne, short again on the pads, Thirimanne swivels and pulls it all along the ground to backward square leg, he split the gap between the two fielders

16.5 Bhatti to Thirimanne, no run, shortish delivery on the stumps, Thirimanne defends it back to the bowler

16.4 Bhatti to Thirimanne, FOUR, that is a great shot, it was short just outside off, just a gentle pace from Bhatti, Thirimanne arches back and plays it very late and gets it past the fielder at third man, deft touch!

16.3 Bhatti to Sangakkara, 1 run, fifty parnership is up between these two, length delivery on the pads, Sangakkara works it away off his pads to deep mid wicket

16.2 Bhatti to Thirimanne, 1 run, angling into the pads, Thirimanne works it away to fine leg

16.1 Bhatti to Thirimanne, 2 runs, back of a length delivery pitched outside the leg stump, Thirimanne works it away off his pads to deep mid wicket

15.6 Junaid Khan to Thirimanne, 1 run, angling into the pads, Thirimanne works it away to fine leg

15.5 Junaid Khan to Sangakkara, 1 run, back of a length delivery outside off, Sangakkara cuts it away to deep point

15.5 Junaid Khan to Sangakkara, wide, slower delivery well down the leg side, Sangakkara watches it go through to the keeper

15.2 Junaid Khan to Sangakkara, 2 runs, pleasing drive from him again, length delivery outside off, Sangakkara gets forward and drives it to sweeper cover, they take on the fielder for the second and an accurate throw would have been close at the bowler's end as Thirimanne was bit slow to respond

15.1 Junaid Khan to Sangakkara, no run, back of a length delivery closer to the off stump, Sangakkara taps it to point

14.6 Bhatti to Thirimanne, no run, back of a length delivery pitched outside the leg stump and angling across, Thirimanne punches it to mid off

14.5 Bhatti to Thirimanne, no run, fuller length delivery on the stumps, Thirimanne drives it to mid on

14.4 Bhatti to Sangakkara, 1 run, he closed the bat face bit early on that occasion, full and on the pads, Sangakkara was looking to play it to the onside, but gets a leading edge to cover

14.3 Bhatti to Sangakkara, no run, what a flowing drive, but he's hit it straight to the fielder at mid off, he's looking in fine nick and that should be a worrying sign for Pakistan

14.2 Bhatti to Thirimanne, 1 run, back of a length and on the pads, Thirimanne tucks it away to backward square leg

14.1 Bhatti to Thirimanne, 2 runs, he's played it fine, but a fine effort at the fence by Junaid, back of a length delivery outside off, Thirimanne waits on the back foot and guides it down to third man, Junaid chased it well and restricts them to a couple

Bilawal Bhatti, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

13.6 Junaid Khan to Thirimanne, 1 run, that was bit uppish, but he hits it well wide of the fielder, length delivery outside off, Thirimanne plays it uppishly to deep backward point

13.5 Junaid Khan to Sangakkara, 1 run, full and angling in, Sangakkara punches it down to mid on

13.4 Junaid Khan to Sangakkara, no run, oh this one nipped back in sharply, Sangakkara was suprised by the lack of bounce and edges it onto the pads, the ball would have easily gone onto hit the stumps

13.3 Junaid Khan to Sangakkara, FOUR, this time he's got it through and it was all about timing, length delivery on the stumps, Sangakkara takes couple of paces down the track, presents full face of the bat and bunts it all along the ground to long on

13.2 Junaid Khan to Sangakkara, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, Sangakkara flays it on the up to point

13.1 Junaid Khan to Sangakkara, no run, has he nicked it, Pakistanis are excited, it was full and angling down the leg side, Sangakkara advances down the track and misses out on the clip shot, the ball goes off his pads and it was a very good take from the keeper, the umpire immediately nodded his head

12.6 Hafeez to Sangakkara, 1 run, fired in full on middle, Sangakkara drives it down to long on, retains the strike with that run

12.5 Hafeez to Thirimanne, 1 run, flatter and shorter, Thirimanne goes back and punches it to cover

12.4 Hafeez to Sangakkara, 1 run, flighted delivery outside off, Sangakkara drives it down to long off

12.3 Hafeez to Sangakkara, FOUR, that is a lovely shot, you just can't allow him to settle down, flat delivery coming into him, Sangakkara skips down the track and lofts it across the line to deep mid wicket

12.2 Hafeez to Thirimanne, 1 run, quicker delivery on middle, Thirimanne punches it down to mid on

12.1 Hafeez to Thirimanne, no run, flatter delivery outside off, Thirimanne goes back and punches it to covers

11.6 Junaid Khan to Sangakkara, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, Sangakkara drives it on the up to covers

11.5 Junaid Khan to Thirimanne, 1 run, short this time, Thirimanne gets into a good position and pulls it away to mid wicket

11.4 Junaid Khan to Thirimanne, no run, length delivery angling in from outside off, Thirimanne defends it towards mid on

11.3 Junaid Khan to Thirimanne, FOUR, hint of width and he's taken full toll of it, full and wide outside off, Thirimanne reaches to the pitch of the ball, opens the bat face and square-drives it to square third man

11.1 Junaid Khan to Sangakkara, no run, fuller length delivery on off, Sangakkara leans onto it and drives it to covers

Junaid Khan [1.0-0-1-0] is back into the attack

10.6 Hafeez to Thirimanne, no run, flatter delivery on the stumps, Thirimanne works it away to midwicket

10.5 Hafeez to Thirimanne, no run, fired in full on middle, Thirimanne pushes it to covers

10.4 Hafeez to Thirimanne, no run, fullish delivery on off, Thirimanne gets forward and pushes it to covers

10.3 Hafeez to Sangakkara, 1 run, flighted delivery outside off, Sangakkara drives it down to long off

10.2 Hafeez to Sangakkara, no run, flighted delivery outside off, Sangakkara comes down the track and pushes it back to the bowler

10.1 Hafeez to Thirimanne, 1 run, slower through the air on middle, Thirimanne punches it down to long off

Mohammad Hafeez [4.0-0-16-0] is back into the attack

9.6 Umar Gul to Thirimanne, 1 run, length delivery on the stumps, Thirimanne works it away to mid wicket

9.5 Umar Gul to Thirimanne, FOUR, just a hint of width and he's cashed in on it, full and wide outside off, Thirimanne reaches out for it, opens the bat face and square drives it past the fielder to sweeper cover, touch of elegance on that occasion

9.4 Umar Gul to Thirimanne, no run, back of a length delivery on the stumps, Thirimanne defends it to the leg side

9.4 Umar Gul to Sangakkara, 2 wides, that really took off from back of a length, it was over the batsman and Umar Akmal had to jump really high and he got some part of his hand to it

9.3 Umar Gul to Sangakkara, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, Sangakkara defends it towards point

9.1 Umar Gul to Thirimanne, no run, full and pushed across him, Thirimanne drives it firmly to mid off

8.6 Junaid Khan to Sangakkara, no run, length delivery outside off, Sangakkara defends it to the off side

8.5 Junaid Khan to Thirimanne, 1 run, slight fumble by Misbah and they get the single, full and pushed across him, Thirimanne drives it hard to short covers, Mibah couldn't stop it and the ball deflects towards mid off

8.4 Junaid Khan to Thirimanne, no run, tighter line in the corridor of uncertainity, Thirimanne chops it towards the off side

8.3 Junaid Khan to Thirimanne, no run, back of a length delivery wide outside off and angling across, Thirimanne flays it straight to the fielder at point

8.2 Junaid Khan to Thirimanne, no run, length delivery angling in from outside off, Thirimanne gets across and defends it to the leg side

7.6 Umar Gul to Sangakkara, no run, length delivery again from Gul, this time Sangakkara defends it towards covers

7.5 Umar Gul to Sangakkara, FOUR, Sanga is off the mark in a typical fashion, length delivery just outside off, Sangakkara just leans onto it and just caresses it past the 2 fielders to long off, awesome timing and he's announced his entry in style

7.4 Umar Gul to Sangakkara, no run, back of a length delivery outside off and angling across, Sangakkara lifts his bat and lets it go

Kumar Sangakkara, left handed bat, comes to the crease

7.3 Umar Gul to K Perera, out Caught by U Akmal!! This time he's got him, this is fine bowling from Gul, lands it on a length on off and the ball shapes away at the last minute, Perera was looking good till now, but was bit late on this, the late away movement takes the edge back to the keeper, Pakistan have their first wicket. K Perera c U Akmal b Umar Gul 14(26) [4s-3]

Umar Gul to K Perera, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

7.2 Umar Gul to K Perera, FOUR, he's hoisted it away to the leg side, length delivery on the stumps, Perera winds up and in typical Jayasuriya style, swings it across the line between midwicket and long on, one bounce and into the fence

7.1 Umar Gul to K Perera, no run, back of a length delivery on off and angling across, Perera was squared up, but defends it watchfully to the off side

6.6 Hafeez to Thirimanne, no run, pitched outside off and turning away, Thirimanne defends it to the off side

6.5 Hafeez to Thirimanne, FOUR, this was played uppishly, but he found the gap perfectly, floated up outside off, Thirimanne gets a good stride forward and with exquisite timing crunches it in the air to deep extra cover

6.4 Hafeez to Thirimanne, no run, much slower and he gets some away turn, Thirimanne covers the spin and defends it down on the track

6.3 Hafeez to K Perera, 1 run, flighted delivery on the stumps, Perera comes down the track and pushes it down to mid on

6.2 Hafeez to Thirimanne, 1 run, slightly shorter and quicker, Thirimanne goes back and punches it down to long off

6.1 Hafeez to Thirimanne, no run, quicker delivery on the stumps, Thirimanne plunges forward and defends it to the off side

5.6 Umar Gul to K Perera, no run, this one went off the meat of the bat, full and outside off, Perera drives it firmly to covers

5.5 Umar Gul to K Perera, no run, already worrying signs for Pakistan, the odd ball is keeping low, length delivery outside off, Perera defends it to the off side

5.4 Umar Gul to K Perera, no run, back of a length delivery on the stumps, Perera stays back and defends it

5.3 Umar Gul to K Perera, no run, oh that was a very tight call, this one nips back in sharply and kept a bit low, Perera was camping on the back foot and is hit flush on the pads, may be height would have saved him here and the ball also was doing too much and would have gone down the leg side

5.2 Umar Gul to K Perera, no run, he likes playing shots, back of a length delivery outside off, slight width on offer, Perera stands tall and punches it off the back foot to covers

5.1 Umar Gul to Thirimanne, 1 run, length delivery outside off, Thirimanne opens the face of the bat and guides it down to third man

1.5 Umar Gul to Thirimanne, no run, full and he lands it on the seam, Thirimanne pushes it solidly towards covers

1.4 Umar Gul to Thirimanne, no run, back of a length delivery outside off stump, Thirimanne leaves it alone

1.3 Umar Gul to Thirimanne, FOUR, good looking shot from Thirimanne, full and pushed across him, Thirimanne leans onto it and caresses it through past 2 fielders to deep extra cover fence, Afridi chases it well, but the ball sped away on this fast outfield

1.3 Umar Gul to Thirimanne, wide, back of a length delivery wide outside off stump and angling across, Thirimanne leaves it through to the keeper

1.2 Umar Gul to Thirimanne, no run, full and angling into the pads, Thirimanne gets across, presents full face of the bat and defends it

1.1 Umar Gul to Thirimanne, no run, full and he gets some inswing into the left hander, Thirimanne covers the line and defends it towards mid on

Umar Gul, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

0.6 Hafeez to K Perera, no run, flatter delivery on the stumps, Perera gets forward and defends it solidly

0.5 Hafeez to K Perera, no run, flighted delivery on the stumps, Perera pushes it to the off side

0.4 Hafeez to K Perera, no run, it looked like a leading edge to the naked eye, it went off the pad, it was much quicker and he gets some slight away turn, Perera was looking to play to the leg side and the ball goes off the flap of the pad towards first slip and he couldn't hold onto it

0.3 Hafeez to K Perera, no run, tighter line on middle, Perera defends it back to the bowler

0.2 Hafeez to Thirimanne, 1 run, floated up outside off, Thirimanne lunges forward and pushes it down to long off

Misbah: 'The pitch looks flat and fresh. It's good to be in good form and contribute to the team success. Last time we played it was very slow, we have the same set of players who played in UAE'.

Mathews:' We will bat first. We have had some injuries, Kula and Dilshan are out and the rested guys are back for this match. We need to start fresh and it is important to start off on a positive note in a big tournament like this. Misbah is a great batsman and it's difficult to get him out'.

Sri Lanka have won the toss and have opted to bat

Pitch Conditions: 'The conditions are breezy at the moment. The wicket looks very flat, there should be plenty of runs on offer. There is some dead grass on the surface, the track might get slower as the day progresses. Spinners might well come into play later on. Dew will play a role later on and the team winning the toss might opt to field first.'

Fatullah which is located in the southern outskirts of Dhaka is up and buzzing and so are we. Stay with us for toss and team updates. Remember both sides have their share of injury woes. Dilshan was the latest join Sri Lanka's walking wounded which includes Kula and Herath. Pakistan will miss the services of the trampolining Irfan for both the Asia Cup and the forthcoming World T20 championship.

However, they have a few points to prove, especially after enduring a win-less campaign in the 2012 version. Who will come up trumps in this opening fixture?

A warm welcome to the curtain raiser of the 2014 tourney as Sri Lanka clash with Pakistan. The series may have been sandwiched in between the busy T20 season but promises to be interesting, particularly with Afghanistan adding a glaze of freshness. Meanwhile, the reigning champs, Pakistan, led by the uber cool Misbah have voiced their satisfaction over their consistent displays in the recent past and will leave no stone unturned to reassert their supremacy. Whilst the green army had enjoyed a month's break in the lead up to the Asia Cup, Sri Lanka are riding the crest of the wave, having bossed hosts Bangladesh across multiple formats. As their skipper, Mathews reiterated, Sri Lanka's awareness of the conditions will hold them in good stead.

13:05 Local Time, 07:05 GMT, 12:35 IST: Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are all geared up to battle for the title of Asia's best. Virat Kohli's whirlwind ton, Bangladesh engulfed by a sea of emotions after stealing Tendulkar's thunder(the hundredth hundred) en route to the final were the highlights of the previous edition of the Asia Cup in 2012.